Title
Discussion on Recreation and Parks Commission Priorities for 2017
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To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Discussion on Recreation and Parks Commission Priorities for 2017
BACKGROUND
On January 12, 2017, the Recreation and Parks Commissioners developed and discussed ideas on how the Commission can best serve and help the Alameda community in 2017.
DISCUSSION
Commissioners discussed the need for true engagement with what’s going on within the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) and within the Alameda community. Overall Commissioners agreed upon the following ways to be engaged and serve the community:
o Attend events, Council meetings, Planning Board, and other key city meetings where parks interests are involved.
o Make sure parks are represented and communicate the message that parks and this Commission are relevant in the community.
o Better understand infrastructure of parks system and programs.
o Truly represent the people who use the parks and programs. Be stronger representatives of those users.
o Be involved with parks, projects and recreation programs.
One specific example discussed was to make sure that Alameda Point open space and parks acreage is what it was promised to be. Commissioners agreed that to do so requires attending Transportation, Planning Board and Council meetings to represent the interests of the Recreation and Parks Commission. It was suggested that there be a Commission liaison for Alameda Point that is closely tracking the progress of Alameda Point development.
The Commission also discussed how to better advocate for parks. Commissioners wanted greater representation for parks and how they positively impact residents and businesses. This includes seeking ways to reach new residents, particularly families and children. Specific ideas included the following:
o Staffing a booth at community events or having a Commissioner work at an existing ARPD booth to answer community questions. Provide photos and information on park projects.
o Take turns attending City Council meetings and speaking on issues as they arise.
The Commission agreed to sign up for specific tasks, then to have a regular report at each meeting on what the Commissioners have been involved with each month. This includes each Commissioner being assigned several Alameda parks, facilities and programs. Commissioners would then spend time there, observe, talk to people and report feedback to the Commission. Overall the Commissioners expressed a desire to be more interactive - go out in the community, talk to people, be informed and discuss issues that arise.
Below is the list of specific parks, programs and facilities for Commissioners to choose for their assignments:
Parks and Facilities
• Lincoln Park (including Harrison Center)
• Washington Park
• Little John Park
• Franklin Park
• Woodstock Park
• Krusi Park
• Leydecker Park
• Encinal Boat Launch Facility
• Bill Osborne Model Airplane Field
• Cityview Skate Park
Programs
• Veteran’s Building
o Underground Teen Center
o Wee Play
• Mastick Senior Center
• RAP (Recreational After School Program)
• Tiny Tots
• League or drop-in play at Alameda Point Gymnasium
• WOW (World of Wonder) summer program
• Day Camp summer program
• Summer Aquatics Programs at Encinal and Alameda High Schools
• “Secret Shopper” idea - pull 5 people at random from the database to contact them and get their feedback on programs, parks and service.
• Special Events
o o Father Daughter Dance
o Egg Scramble
o Earth Day
o Summer Expo
o Sand Sculpture and Sand Castle Contest
o Annual C-Bone Skate Tournament
o Annual City Tennis Tournament
o Annual Swim Championships
o Alameda Walks
o Mastick Senior Center Fashion Show
o Starlight Movies in the Park (4)
o Teen Haunted House
o Mayor’s Tree Lighting
o Breakfast with Santa
Other Assignment Opportunities
• Girls in Sports Committee Liaison
• Alameda Point Parks Liaison
• Create a donor program for youth scholarships
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This action has no financial impact.
RECOMMENDATION
Discussion on Recreation and Parks Commission priorities for 2017.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director